10 great Portland tacos

As if Portlanders needed another excuse to eat tacos, today marks National Taco Day, a day devoted to all things tasty folded in tortillas. Nationwide, Americans eat some 4.5 billion tacos per year. And while many of those are hard-shell tacos bought from fast-food chains, we thought we'd shine a spotlight on some of the city's better independent businesses. Below, find 10 great places to find tacos in Portland for National Taco Day (or any day, really).

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Angel Food & Fun

Better known for its outstanding Yucatecan specialties and one addictive steak burrito, this cubby-sized Cully neighborhood restaurant -- a space co-shared with a video lottery parlour and miniature pool hall -- has a taco-shaped ace up its sleeve. Salbutes, or puffy, deep-fried tortillas topped with avocado, tomato, pickled onion and, here, either pulled chicken or carne asada, are like the southern cousin to San Antonio’s famous puffy tacos. While you’re here, consider adding a panucho, a crisper, flatter fried tortilla stuffed with refried black beans.

Details:

5135 N.E. 60th Ave.503-287-7909

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La Taq

Speaking of deep-fried tortillas, La Taq makes a tasty version of San Antonio's signature puff tacos, big, yellow, flaky and fried a shade harder than the salbutes above. Each taco is filled with diced tomato, lettuce, sour cream, plentiful shredded orange cheese and a choice of four meats, including, of course, the smoky beef from Podnah's, the excellent barbecue joint next door. We actually preferred the tender pork in chile verde, which had just enough tomatillo tartness to cut through the savory tortilla shell. Best paired with a classic fresh-lime margarita.